Who Will Help A Troubled Wilson Oruma? … from the Pitch to the Street

These are not the best of times for former Nigeria international, Wilson Oruma.

Oruma held sway in the midfield for the Super Eagles in the mid-90s. Do you remember him?

But, between then and now a lot has happened.

It’s disheartening that in the last six years, the maverick footballer has been bogged down by some sort of mental disorder. His heroics story changed since he suffered the ailment.

The present day football enthusiasts in Nigerian and beyond have forgotten the goal spree of the professional footballer.

He has changed from being a handsome and boisterous young man to unprintable words as he takes his shelter on the street.

There are fears the mental relapse has revisited the one-time cool and calm Ex-Super Eagle star without help in sight either from residents in Lekki axis of Lagos State where he is seen or from good Samaritans.

“In fact, people in the neighbourhood and those in government hardly recognize him as Nigeria international and ex-footballer. People see him as somebody who needs medical care and help,” a resident of the area told out this reporter

The resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, feared that the mental relapse has revisited the one-time cool and calm Ex-Super Eagle star.

“He has deserted his house. He walks from day to night on the highway ; not going to any particular place. I am not sure he has gone home to sleep for days,” he said.

On Thursday, our reporter sought to know the daily routine of Oruma as he no longer returns to his Victoria Garden City (VGC) residence

“Nigerians have forgotten Oruma. Even people on the street don’t recognize him again. It is a shame no group or persons have come to his aid in his trying times. This mental disorder came after he was duped by one pastor like six years ago,” a neighbourhood watch officer, Abubakar Usman, who joined our reporter in search for Oruma in the Lekki axis, said.

Our reporter was led to a local canteen at Igboefon- along Lekki- Ajah Express Road where he eats regularly.

“This is where he eats. Most people around this Lekki area don’t really know who he is but I do. But, when you see him, you will know that this person needs help and he is no longer the football hero that Nigerians know,” the elderly security man said.

He continued, “He had even paid some people’s bills here before. He eats here often and greets people, saying, “Do you have Jesus, bro?’ and I will answer, “Yes, I have Jesus bro.”

“But, sometimes he walks on the street in poor clothing, in slippers, often talking to himself alone and all that… it is also common to see him carrying bags of pure water, taking it to nowhere. Sometimes, he laid his head on bags of pure water after waking all day under the scorching sun.

“But, I think with right people around him and regular medical care from professionals, he would get better.”

During his career days, Oruma featured for RC Lens, Nancy, Samsunspor, Nimes, Servette, Sochaux, Marseille and Guingamp, and Kavala FC of Greece before he retired at the age of 33 on November 26, 2010.

The midfield maestro also featured for Nigeria’s U-17, U-23 and the senior national team winning the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 1993, the Olympic gold in 1996 and two bronze medals at the African Cup of Nations in 2002 and 2006.

It was reported that the Delta State-born professional was duped by an unknown pastor in 2012. Since then, the Ex-Nigeria international, who played alongside Austin JJ Okocha and Kanu Nwankwo, is now BROKE!

It was learnt that Oruma lost a whopping sum of N1.2 billion in an investment deal with the clergyman and some fake oil businessmen.

UPDATE

Meanwhile, the General Secretary, National Association of Nigerian Professional Footballer, Austin Popo, who hinted on efforts made toward helping Oruma said meetings and consultations with some of Oruma’s colleagues had been held.

He said, “We have had series of closed-door meetings to see how we can address the issue. I have discussed with Sam Sodje who confirmed to me that he had put a call to the Chairman of Delta State Sports Commission.

“Two days ago, I also had discussion with Clement Temile and Joshua Khator and Ann. These are ex-internationals from Delta State, the same state Oruma hails from. We only hope we can coordinate all relevant stakeholders to help him,” he shared the comment on Facebook with Desmond Ekwueme; a social and sport commentator on Thursday.